Release Date – October 12, 1987
Like many bands in the 80’s, or pre-Internet in general, INXS had a pretty good career going for themselves before becoming huge mega stars with this release. I played this album a lot with its clear production, it’s full band sound – everybody playing their part and the parts playing off each other so perfectly throughout many of the tracks. The videos had a positive reinforcing effect as well, especially with “Need you tonight/Mediate”, a smooth transition between two very different songs.
With four top 10 singles this is an album that is worth the 40 minutes to listen to, and take a few more minutes to read up some more on the band. Pitchfork recently reviewed their previous album, Listen Like Thieves, from 1985, and I can see the comparison (unwillingly perhaps) with Maroon 5. Also, since it’s an 80’s album from a band that was pretty heavy on the sex appeal, watch some of the videos:
What You Need / Mediate – MTV video winner
And from their earlier days:
Don’t Change – 1982
One Thing – 1982.
More info on the album:
Wikipedia. ” The US record label first rejected the album, feeling that the funk and dance elements would alienate the band’s traditional rock following.”
Pitchfork 2017 30th anniversary review. “If time has proven Listen Like Thieves a superior album, the 30th-anniversary edition of Kick makes clear why the six-times platinum release is better remembered. “
Rolling Stone 10 things about Kick. “Kick maintained a presence on the Billboard Top 200 albums for well over a year, “
Rolling Stone article of the band, 1988. “The band’s mixture of Sly Stone and AC/DC continued on Listen Like Thieves, which included the break-through hit “What You Need.””
Bonnie Raitt covers Need You Tonight. (I’m not 100% onboard with this yet, but getting there)
The band tried to replace Hutchence (died of suicide in 1997) via an American Idol like talent search, and they did release albums and tours, but they never had the popularity that they had in the 80’s and 90’s.